Flyabout D
Role Light Monoplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Alexander Aircraft Company, Aircraft Mechanics, Inc.
Designer Proctor Nichols
Introduction 1931 Detroit Air Show[1]

The Alexander Airplane Company D-1 Flyabout was an early entry into the light aircraft market by the popular biplane aircraft manufacturer.[2] The aircraft was later manufactured by Aircraft Mechanics, Inc.

Design

The D-1 was a conventional landing geared high winged monoplane with side-by-side seating powered by a 35 hp (26 kW) Continental engine, with a firewall-mounted fuel tank. The cabin featured doors on both sides of the aircraft.[3] It was the first aircraft certified under new CAA rules for aircraft under 1,000 lb (454 kg).[4]

Operational history

The prototype's capabilities were demonstrated by flying up to 15,000 ft (4,572 m) above Pikes Peak with the 38 hp (28 kW) model.[5] Test pilot Proctor Nichols later reported having flown through a tornado formation in the demonstrator returning from the Cleveland National Air Races.[6]

Variants

D-1
First outfitted with a 35 hp (26 kW) Continental engine.
D-2
Improved model with Szekely engine.[7]

Specifications (Flyabout D-1)

Data from Popular Aviation

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ^ Popular Aviation: 32. June 1931.((cite journal)): CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  2. ^ David Mondey. The complete illustrated encyclopedia of the world's aircraft.
  3. ^ Popular Aviation: 11. July 1931.((cite journal)): CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  4. ^ Aerospace Industries Association of America; Manufacturers Aircraft Association; Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America (1932). Aircraft year book, Volume 14. American Aviation Publications.
  5. ^ Popular Aviation: 35. November 1931.((cite journal)): CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  6. ^ Popular Aviation: 96. December 1931.((cite journal)): CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  7. ^ Popular Aviation: 134. December 1931.((cite journal)): CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)